One question we get from customers on a regular basis is do they need to wait for spring or summer to install their garage flooring, or can they install it in the middle of winter. For the most part garage flooring can be installed any time of year. But there are a few restrictions and there are definitely some installation tips that you are going to want to consider. First and foremost if you are considering a garage floor epoxy, each product will have a minimum installation temperature. Our garage floor coatings can be installed in temperatures as low as 45 degrees. BUT what about garage floor mats and garage floor tiles?
Any of our roll out garage flooring or garage floor tiles that are not being adhered to the floor can be installed any time of year. there are a couple of key things to remember when installing these products in colder weather. First and foremost, make sure you read the manufacturers instructions or STOP AND READ documents for the latest information.
Considerations When Installing Garage Floor Tiles
Perhaps the single most important thing to remember when you install garage floor tiles in the winter is the tiles are going to be fully contracted. Leaving a full 1/2″ expansion gap between the tiles and any walls or immovable objects becomes increasingly important. You should also consider working on a sunny day and leaving the tiles spread out in the sun as you are installing them.
Considerations When Installing Garage Floor Mats
First, the increased awareness of the expansion gaps is important for garage floor mats too. You also want to be cognizant of the fact that it takes longer for a cold stiff roll of garage flooring to relax. This means that the edges of the garage floor mat may stay curled a little longer. Do not worry, they will relax AND do not do anything to try and force them down until they have fully relaxed. While certainly well intentioned, taping the mat down or using something to weight it down can actually inhibit the products natural process. Time is your friend. Just let the mat do its thing.
Perhaps the most difficult thing to remember (and fix) when installing a garage mat in cold weather is you may need to make some adjustments come summer. If you have a lot of heavy items on the floor and the temperature changes from 40 degrees to 100 degrees, you may see some small ripples in your floor. This is normal. Remove anything heavy from the floor and let it relax. use a push broom to help push out any air from under the mats –note: this is only typically an issue when installing wall to wall.
Containment Mats
Installing containment mats in the middle of winter is what everyone does. Why? Because we are not thinking about snow in August! In most cases just install the mat and do not worry about taking any special precautions. The one suggestion is, if possible, store the mat in the house for a day or two before installing so it warms up. It will make your installation easier. The only other note is products like TruContain ® and Oil Absorbent Garage Mats will take longer to have the creases come out and Park Smart Clean Park may have a slight curl until it relaxes. Most of these issues are very short in longevity and there is absolutely no reason to wait.
